Bangkok: The Prime Minister has expressed optimism that the current water situation will improve within the next two to three weeks, assuring the public that the flooding experienced in 2011 will not recur unless heavy rains persist. He has committed to accelerating water management efforts and laying the groundwork for long-term solutions over the next four months. The Prime Minister emphasized that villagers prioritize being free from flooding over receiving a 100,000 baht relief package, noting that a monthly relief of 9,000 baht, totaling 20 billion baht, does not justify the delay of a major project that would take years to implement.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Anutin Charnvirakul, visited dam gates to monitor the situation before addressing the media. During his visit to the Chao Phraya River basin, Mr. Anutin assured that the water levels are lower than those in 2011, and he is committed to expediting water management measures. He expressed confidence that if heavy rains cease, the rainy season will conclude within two to three weeks, allowing water levels across the country to drain more effectively and reducing the risk of flooding.
In the Ayutthaya, Sing Buri, and Ang Thong water catchment areas, the Prime Minister expects improvements in a few weeks, anticipating a significant change by the end of October and into November. He stressed the importance of transitioning from annual relief efforts, which cost approximately 20 billion baht, to investing in infrastructure like dams, waterways, and weirs for better water management.
When questioned about the potential for additional dam construction, the Prime Minister highlighted the need for the Office of National Water Resources (ONWR) to explore solutions for annual flooding issues. He pointed out that ongoing problems necessitate finding funds for relief each year. Mr. Anutin noted that despite approvals for 9,000 baht in relief from the central budget, villagers prefer long-term flood prevention solutions.
Mr. Anutin also touched upon challenges encountered during his visits to different regions, particularly regarding land reclamation for water management projects. He emphasized the need for innovative solutions and policies that align with changing ecological conditions, referencing King Bhumibol Adulyadej's guidelines for the monkey cheeks project as a basis for further development. The Prime Minister mentioned the possibility of expanding existing projects while avoiding the expropriation of public and royal lands for water storage.
Regarding the four-month timeline for laying foundations, Mr. Anutin mentioned that the groundwork is already in place. He plans to direct the ONWR to take a leading role, distributing responsibilities among various agencies. He highlighted the urgency of utilizing budget commitments effectively, as a typical 30 billion baht budget is usually spread over several years but was exhausted in just one month in this instance. The Prime Minister emphasized the need for long-term investments and strategic planning to address water management challenges.